Kissamos
The charming seaside town of Kastelli Kissamou (Kissamos) is located 42km away from Chania and has about 3.000 inhabitants. The area is not overcrowded by tourists and keeps its authentic/true local character, since its development lies on agriculture and wine production.
The beauty of the landscape combined with all the comforts that a modern town offers, make Kastelli Kissamou/Kissamos a destination not to be missed.
The town is built on the ancient city of Kissamos which used to be the commercial center of western Crete. Remains of the Venetian fortification are still visible along with other archaeological treasures from the Roman period that are found in the Kissamos Arcaheological Museum. The archaeological sites of Polyrenia and Falassarna and the impressive gorges of Topolia, in a short distance from Kissamos, are also worth visiting.
Falassarna Beach
Falassarna beach has been voted as the most beautiful beach of Crete and is also rated as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe, due to its white sand and turquoise, warm waters.
It is located on the west coast of Crete and extends over 3km. One of the most famous parts of Falassarna is the exotic, sandy beach of “Pachia Ammos”. It is so wide that it rarely feels overcrowded.
Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Peninsula
One of the most photographed beaches in Greece is undoubtedly Balos lagoon beach in Gramvousa peninsula. It is ranked 6th among the 25 best European beaches for 2021, by Tripadvisor.
The crystal clear, emerald waters and the white dazzling sand are the perfect scenery for your idyllic summer photos. The lagoon is formed by the proximity between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani, located right in front of Balos Beach. Despite being rather difficult to access, the area tends to be overcrowded in summer.
The beach can be reached either by car through a trach road from Kaliviani, a village close to Kissamos, or by excursion boats from Kissamos.
Elafonissi Beach
Another beach that lists among the most idyllic beaches of the world, while ranked 7th among the 25 best European beaches for 2021 by Tripadvisor, is Elafonissi.
Famous for its pinkish sand (made of thousands of broken shells) and crystalline, turquoise waters, the islet near the coast gives you the impression of a lagoon. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the islet because of the shallow waters, ideal for children.
The sand extends for some distance along the mainland coastline and Elafonissi itself is about a mile long, with a small church and a lighthouse at its far end.
Protected within the Natura 2000 environmental network, the island itself contains only sand dunes and more than 100 rare plants.
The eastern side in front of the lagoon, is well organized with umbrellas, snack bars and water sports but the other side is more isolated, perfect for relaxation.
